Absolutism the Reigns of King Louis XIV and

Absolutism - the Reigns of King Louis XIV and Tsar Peter the Great SSWH 14. A

� “I am the state” � Distrust class of the noble � To limit their power, Louis excluded most nobles from his councils. � The nobles had a new job…royal chamber servants Louis XIV

�Nobles were no longer in charge of local government. That job was done by intendants. �These intendants had to report back to Louis frequently. �Many nobles were forced to live at court with Louis XIV

Versailles

�The construction of Versailles, combined with the cost of Louis’ lifestyle would leave France in a terrible amount of debt. Versailles

� 1667 – Invasion of Spanish Netherlands �France’s expansion made the rest of Europe very worried. England, Austria, Sweden, and Spain formed the League of Augsburg. � 1700 – Spanish Succession ◦ Childless Charles II of Spain dies – Philip of Anjou is selected to take the Spanish throne. ◦ The problem with this is that Philip is Louis’ grandson. The rest of Europe couldn’t let the thrones of France and Spain join together. Louis’ Wars

�As Louis came to the end of his life he began to regret the death and debt that he had brought to his people. �About $21, 000, 000. 00 in debt. �France �The was set up as a military power. stage was set for Absolutism. The Results of Louis’ Reign

� 1696 – Peter I comes to power in Russia. �Russia was still a society that followed the feudal model �During the 1680 s Peter goes on a tour of Western European nations. Peter the Great

�Throughout his childhood, Peter studies the ways and the technologies of Western nations. �Among his hobbies were sailing and meeting foreigners. Peter the Great

�Shortly after he took power in Russia, Peter went on a trip through Europe. �Spent most of his time in England the Dutch Republic studying ship building. �When he returned he forced the Russian nobles dress and act more like people from the West. Peter’s Tour of the West

� After returning from his tour, Peter goes to war against Charles XII of Sweden. � When the war ended in 1721, Russia had gained control Baltic coastal lands. � Peter begins the construction of his new port city, St. Petersburg. Great Northern War

�Established �Increased newspapers the social status of women �Established schools for science, navigation, math, and art �Issued orders for certain citizens to go study in European nations The Westernization of Russia

�Foreign visitors were often confused by Peter’s court ◦ Dwarfs, giants, and “human monsters” from Peter’s Cabinet of Curiosities ◦ Compulsory drinking binges with guards to stop any guest from leaving ◦ Parodies performed by Peter’s “All-mad, All-jesting, All-drunken assembly” �He wanted to Westernize Russia, but his court confirmed what many Europeans already thought about Russian…They were barbaric. The Court of Peter I

�An �A increase in servitude decline of Russian culture �Many orthodox religious leaders thought the Peter was the Antichrist �Western technology was introduced to Russian, but not Western freedom The Down-side of Peter’s Reforms